HIV outbreak at Nishtar Hospital due to serious medical negligence: PHC

HIV outbreak at Nishtar Hospital due to serious medical negligence: PHC report exposes system failure

LAHORE: The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has released its official inquiry report into the HIV outbreak at Nishtar Hospital, Multan, confirming that over 25 patients contracted the virus during dialysis due to grave administrative and professional failures.

Related story: 25 patients confirmed HIV-Positive after dialysis at Nishtar Hospital

The PHC’s findings have sent shockwaves through the healthcare sector, raising urgent questions about infection control protocols, hospital oversight, and medical accountability in public health institutions.

Key findings, disciplinary actions

Sources told Medical News that the PHC inquiry held several top officials accountable, highlighting a systemic breakdown in medical safety practices and institutional oversight.

• Vice Chancellor Dr Mehnaz Khakwani has been recommended for removal from her post due to her failure in ensuring proper institutional monitoring.
• The Medical Superintendent (MS) of Nishtar Hospital has been found negligent, with PHC recommending the withholding of his annual increment as disciplinary action.
• Dr Ghulam Abbas, the Head of the Dialysis Department, is set for compulsory retirement, as per the report's conclusions.
• Associate Professor Dr Poonam has been recommended for demotion to Assistant Professor due to her involvement in administrative shortcomings.

Exonerations based on evidence

In contrast, three healthcare professionals were cleared of any wrongdoing. The Commission stated that there was no evidence of misconduct by:

• Dr Alamgir Malik, Registrar
• Dr Maliha, Assistant Professor
• Naheed, Head Nurse

Their exoneration provides a clearer picture of individual responsibility amid the wider institutional failure.

A wake-up call for Pakistan’s healthcare system

The tragic incident, which led to the transmission of HIV to more than two dozen dialysis patients, has sparked national concern. The PHC report underscores the dire need for stronger infection control measures, better staff training, and enforcement of accountability in public hospitals.

You may also like to read: 100 HIV cases confirmed in Tunsa Sharif, Punjab

Healthcare experts and patient advocacy groups are now urging the Punjab government and Ministry of Health to implement PHC’s recommendations immediately and initiate comprehensive reforms in hospital management practices.

This is not just a failure of medical care—it is a preventable tragedy that must never be repeated.

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